The Best Noise Canceling Earbuds: Bose QuietComfort 30 Review

When it comes to noise cancellation headphones/earphones, very few brands can compete with Bose‘s superiority. To emphasize this point, the company released their second active noise canceling headphones in the form of the Bose QC30, which actually allow you to control the level of noise blocking. This is a new feature and a significant breakthrough from Bose‘s other active noise canceling headphones (most notably the QuietComfort 35). This essentially means that you can decide whether you want to tune out outside noise to just a minimum level to be able to hear your co-worker ask you something, or need complete silence on your business flight to Amsterdam. This Bose QuietComfort 30 review was written with you, the consumer and traveler in mind – I use these headphones almost every day, and would highly recommend them from a personal standpoint. With the headphones currently exchanging hands at around $300, most people can’t help but wonder: what exactly do you get? Here is a full review of the Bose QC30. These are by far the best noise canceling earbuds on the market…

THE HEADPHONES

The Bose QuietControl 30 are wireless neck-band style “collar” headphones designed to block outside noise and deliver balanced audio performance at any volume. While it is an in-ear model, it was not exactly meant to be the wireless successor of the popular QuietComfort 20 – the smallest model with integrated noise cancellation that can block out droning sounds such as traffic noise or airline engines. The QC30 is a completely different product altogether. Apart from incorporating adjustable noise cancellation, it uses Bluetooth connectivity and can be controlled through an App (the Bose Connect App) or in-line remote.

DESIGN AND COMFORT

The actual collar part of the headphones is made of a rubbery material, which is meant to make it less slippery around the neck. On the collar, there is a hidden Micro USB port for charging the headphones, as well as a power button. The microphone and standard media playback controls are on the cable leading to the right ear-bud. Another set of controls can be found along the edge of the remote, which are used to adjust the level of active noise cancellation. Most people prefer setting it to the highest level, but you can turn it down when needed (for instance, when crossing the street).

You can also adjust the noise blocking level via your Bose Connect Smartphone app, through which firmware upgrades for the headphones are conducted. The ear buds are quite comfortable, and are synonymous with most Bose in-ear headphones. They are oval-shaped, made of a soft silicone material, and come in a variety of sizes to suit most ears. Wingtips are included to help secure the ear-buds in your ears. The package includes a convenient hard case for stowing the device safely away, which is recommended if you don’t want to risk getting your headphones crushed.

ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION AND SOUND QUALITY

Bose QC30 headphones are quite effective at cutting out background noise. Breakthrough technology allows you to set your preferred level of noise cancellation, while volume optimized EQ ensures balanced audio performance regardless of the volume. Additionally, the headphones are fitted with a noise blocking dual-microphone system that provides clear calls, even in noisy or windy environments. This involves a particular arrangement of microphones in and out of the ear buds that consistently measure, compare and react to external noise and then producing an equal and opposite signal to cancel it out.

The StayHear + QC tips also contribute to passive noise reduction by forming a gentle seal that muffles ambient sounds such crowd noise or wind so you can communicate better with your callers. A side tone feature allows you to hear your own voice in the headphones, which subsequently helps you regulate your pitch while talking. In a nutshell, whether you are on the subway waiting for your train on your commute to work, or are aboard a commercial jet with the engines roaring thunderously, the QuietComfort 30 noise canceling earbuds eliminate almost all the noise.

BATTERY LIFE

The QuietComfort 30 headphones can last up to 10 hours while fully charged. They come with a micro USB cable for charging, which can be stowed away in the complimentary hard case.

COMPARISON

BOTTOM LINE

Apart from the controversial collar-style design, which does not sit well with some people, the Bose QuietControl 30 heaphones offer decent sound quality and active noise cancellation. Compared to on-ear headphones, it is much more portable and very convenient to carry around in a backpack. This truly are the best noise canceling earbuds.